In our previous blog, SEO: The Basics we covered what SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is, why it is important and the first basic steps that go into the back-end planning stages of setting up your website so it can be easily found by users.
Now, for part 2 of our blog series, let’s delve a little further into the SEO equation. We’re going to take you through a step by step checklist of how to lay the foundation in making your website as SEO-friendly and “find-able” as possible. So it’s not too overwhelming, we will be breaking our checklist down into multiple posts.
THE CHECKLIST
Here are our first 5 items we suggest you focus on in the beginning:
Research Your Domain Name
At this 
point, you have probably already chosen your domain name (if not see if yours is available with our domain name checker HERE) It’s a good idea to find out if the domain name you have chosen has been previously used and if there is any negativity floating around the web associated with it. You can use our ‘WhoIs’ search tool HERE
Know Your Web Host
It is imperative you choose a reliable web host – one that keeps your site running 24/7 and offers lightening fast speed. Two things that mean a lot to your site’s visitors, and can make or break your SEO ranking. Here at KartHost™ we pride ourselves in being on the cutting edge of what we do in order to deliver you faster site performance, more security, and round the clock, personal support.
Get An SSL Certificate
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. Web browsers label sites that do not use SSL as “not secure”, which should be a huge red flag opening websites and especially when sharing personal information, even something as simple as your name or email address. Your browser tool bar will show a green closed padlock, when an SSL certificate has been issued for the site. There are different types of SSL certificates.
KartHost™ provides free SSL certificates with all our hosting packages. This is an example of one of our clients:
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Another type of certificate is an EV SSL Certificate. This shows visitors the green closed padlock and also displays the business name, like ours below:
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Contact us for more details on getting an EV SSL Certificate.
Read More On SSL HERE |
Choose an SEO-Friendly Theme
In WordPress your theme allows you to customize your site. Themes control your site’s layout, content display, and design. When choosing a theme look for developers that mark their themes as SEO-optimized. Also choose a them that has a responsive design and a fast loading speed.
Take Google’s mobile-friendly site test HERE
Add Plugins
There are plugins for everything, including boosting your SEO and 
ones to cache your site to increase download speed. Research what works best for the type of site you are creating. We recommend Yoast as a good starting plugin for SEO.
Stay tuned for the next five steps, coming soon!
